"I am endorsing Anthony Mascolo because I know his commitment to the people of the South Shore of Staten Island," Schumer said in a statement released by Mascolo's campaign.

Schumer said Mascolo, an attorney, "has represented the community's needs" in his law practice.

"He has been a small businessman, has raised a family on the South Shore of Staten Island, and he has headed a number of community projects that have provided a great service to the Staten Island South Shore community," Schumer said.

Schumer also said that the South Shore would benefit from having an assemblyman who sits in the Assembly majority, and that Mascolo has friends on both sides of the aisle, including Democratic Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island).

Schumer said Mascolo would work with other Island elected officials to bring "true partisanship" to the South Shore.

Mascolo said he was honored to get an endorsement from Schumer, "who has always been a friend of the people of Staten Island."

He lauded Schumer for being "instrumental" in getting money released to repair damage to Wolfe's Pond from Hurricane Irene.

Mascolo is opposed by Republican Joe Borelli in the race for the South Shore Assembly seat.